2008fall

Fall 2008

Obama Victory Makes History

Record-Breaking Latino Vote Changes Political Landscape

Business and Advocacy LULAC Strengthens Programs with Corporate Partners

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Antonio, TX PERMIT NO. 244

LULAC National Legislative Conference and Gala in Washington, DC, February 10-11, 2009

Save the Date! LULAC Holds 80th Convention in Puerto Rico, JULY 13-18, 2009

Contents

Full 2008

• Message from National President.............................3 • Actress Rosario Dawson: Get Out the Vote.........3-4 • Rosa Re-elected President of LULAC, Latino Leaders Receive Presidential Awards..........................................5 • LULAC Strengthens Programs with Corporate Partners...............................................................6 • Women’s Corner ............................................................7 • Highlights of the 2008 LULAC Convention.............8 • News From Around the League......................10-12 • Profile: Gregorio Chavez.............................................14 • Profile: Ana Valenzuela Estrada...................................15 • Profile: Sylvia Gonzalez................................................16 Issues Brief…................................................................18 • Puerto Rico Convention….......................................19 • Youth Corner...............................................................20 • LNESC News................................................................21 • Legislative Issues ......................................................22 • Empower the Latino Community at the LULAC National Convention...............................................23 • Historic Latino Turnout Helps Elect Obama...........24 • Election Night Speech of President-Elect Obama...26

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

Senator Clinton with LULAC Staff and Guests

(L-R) Back Row: Chris Espinosa, Director of Special Projects; Lizette Olmos, Director of Communications; David Moreno; Emma Moreno, former Director of Federal Relations; Jorge Trasmonte, Technology Coordinator; David Perez, Development Coordinator; Brent Wilkes, Executive Director; Maritza Bosques, Office Manager; Mario Marsans, Special Projects Coordinator; Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY); Eduardo Acevedo, LNESC Program Coordinator; Elizabeth Garcia, Program Manager; Carolina Muñoz, Chief Financial Officer; Joe Muñoz; Vanessa Trasmonte; Nancy Gonzalez; Iris Chavez, Education Policy Coordinator. Front Row: Paulo Martinez, Policy Intern; Amanda Keammer, Policy Intern; Christian and Jorge Manuel Trasmonte.

One-year subscription price is $24. Single copies are $4.50. LULAC members receive a complimentary subscription. The publication encourages LULAC members to submit articles and photos for inclusion in future issues. Once submitted, articles are property of the LULAC News and may be subject to editing.

Advertising rates for LULAC News are available by contacting the LULAC National Office in Washington, DC, at (202) 833-6130.

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news

League of United Latin American Citizens

2000 L Street, NW, Suite 610 Washington, D.C. 20036 National President Rosa Rosales Executive Director Brent Wilkes Communications Director & Editor Lizette Jenness Olmos Contributing Editor Kenneth Dalecki Design & Layout Luis Nuño Briones NATIONAL OFFICERS Rosa Rosales National President Hector Flores Immediate Past President Jaime Martinez National Treasurer Jessica I. Martinez National Youth President Richard Fimbres VP for the Elderly Regla Gonzalez VP for Women Bertha Urteaga VP for Youth Michelle Pelayo VP for Young Adults Angel Luevano VP for Far West Alicia Rios VP for Midwest Toula Politis Lugo VP for Northeast Vivian Feliciano VP for Southeast Rey Mancera VP for Southwest Luis Vera National Legal Advisor Ray Velarde Legal Counsel Theresa Venegas Filberth National Secretary

TEL: FAX:

(202) 833-6130 (202) 833-6135

STATE DIRECTORS Ana Valenzuela Estrada Arizona Carlos F. Cervantes Arkansas Argentina Davila-Luevano California Tom Duran Colorado Ada Peña District of Columbia Bettina Rodríguez Aguilera Florida Pedro “Pete” Marin Georgia Maggie Rivera Illinois Trinidad Alfaro, Jr. Indiana Gilbert Sierra Iowa Elias L. Garcia Kansas Annabelle Guerra Massachusetts Augustin Sanchez Michigan Heladio (Lalo) F. Zavala Minnesota Tencha Vasquez Wilcox Missouri Rene Orozco Nevada Pablo Martinez New Mexico Peter Fontanes New York Jason Riveiro Ohio Haydee Rivera Puerto Rico Joey Cardenas Texas Samuel McTyre Virginia Darryl D. Morin Wisconsin Pedro De la Cerda Washington

© LULAC National Office LULAC News is published bimonthly by the national office of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

news ▪ Fall 2008

A Message

Feature Story:

From the President Dear LULAC Members,

Rosario Dawson: Getting Out the Vote

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Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

President Rosales visits San Juan, Puerto Rico, site of the 2009 LULAC National Convention.

am excited to be serving my third term as your national president, thanks to your vote of confidence at our recent convention.

The convention was a huge success. It included appearances by both the Democrat and Republican presidential candidates who shared their vision of the country’s future.

We welcomed some 15,000 attendees and attracted leaders from the federal government and

private sector.

I want to thank all of our members and attendees for making LULAC’s 79th anniversary a major success.

LULAC recognized the importance of the election this year and put a great deal of energy and resources into a voter registration and education project to turn out informed voters. Our aim was to ensure that our voices are heard more strongly than ever. We must never forget the significance and importance of voting and always take maximum advantage of the right to participate in our democracy. We must never take for granted the sacrifices that were made in order to gain this right.

Meanwhile, we continue to work on various issues to improve the lives of Latinos, including passage next year of immigration reform legislation that is fair and just.

As you read through the pages of the LULAC News, I hope you are inspired to continue LULAC’s legacy of service to the Hispanic community. There are so many opportunities for service and advocacy that there is simply no reason not to be involved.

Whether it means calling your representatives in Congress to support an important piece of legislation or helping to get out the vote by driving voters to the polls – you can make a real difference in your community.

I know I can count on you to recommit to the core objectives of LULAC. As you know, volunteerism has a lasting impact on improving the lives of Latinos. I salute all LULAC members, volunteers, and friends who take the time to help LULAC make a difference.

Please stay in contact with us by email or mail throughout the year. We want to help you serve others in your community.

Rosa Rosales LULAC National President

By Ken Dalecki

LULAC worked to ensure a significant boost in Latino voter participation in the presidential election Nov. 4. It endorsed Voto Latino, an effort by a coalition of organizations to increase Latino voter registration and participation to historic heights.

“This year the Hispanic vote was a decisive factor in determining which candidate won the presidency,” said LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “Consequently, both presidential campaigns actively courted Latino voters like never before. More importantly, Latinos are paying very close attention to issues such as education, the economy, health care, civil rights, immigration, and government accountability that directly affect our community.”

Research by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research organization at the University of Southern California, estimated that the Latino vote this year might increase some 23% over four years ago based on the naturalization of Latino immigrants and the number of young Latinos who have reached voting age. Hot-button issues such as immigration, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the economic downturn helped boost Latino voter participation to over 12 million this year compared to 7.5 million in 2004.

Democratic nominee Barack Obama won about 67% of the Hispanic vote.

Democratic Candidate John Kerry won Continued on page 4.

www.LULAC.org

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Rosario Dawson: Get Out the Vote Continued from page 3.

support for boosting the Latino youth vote. Participants included Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Wilmer Valderrama, Sofia Vergara, Fat Joe and Malverde.

“During the primaries roughly 52% of the Latino vote comprised Latinos between the ages of 18-29,” said Voto Latino Executive Director Petersen. “The power that this group holds is pivotal in determining the next president of the United States and Voto Latino’s aim is to empower them to use their voice and vote.”

Some 50,000 Latinos reach the voting age of 18 every month, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. Half of the nation’s 18 million Latinos are under the age of 40. Seven million American Latino voters are between the ages of 18 and 29. They constitute 18% of the youth vote.

Voto Latino’s co-founder Rosario Dawson with actor Wilmer Valderrama Among the many voters registered by LULAC are newly eligible and actress Sofia Vergara were among those in attendance at a DNC voters. LULAC has reached voters of all ages through its website event held by Voto Latino. www.LULAC.org/programs/voter. Why the on-line platform? about 59% of the Hispanic vote 2004.

Americans who register via pen and paper have only a 50% The importance of the Latino vote is magnified by the fact that likelihood of showing up at the polls on Election Day. Those who Latinos constitute more than 10% of the electorate in five of the register on-line have an 80% participation rate. so-called “battleground states” likely to determine the winner of LULAC is hard at work in its non-partisan efforts to engage the presidential contest this year. They are: New Mexico (37.5%), young voters. LULAC has cultivated partnerships with universities, Florida (13.6%), Colorado (12.2%), Nevada (12.2%) and New Jersey colleges and high schools to ensure that the youth have a voice that (10%). is representative of their large numbers.

Other states with significant Latino populations are Texas Knowing the importance of civic participation, LULAC (24.6%), California (22.9%), Arizona (17%), New York (11.4%), members have registered voters by going door-to-door, setting Connecticut (8.2%), Illinois (8.1%), Massachusetts (5.3%), Wyoming up registration booths at local events such as festivals and (5.1%), Idaho (5.1%), Washington (4.3%), Oregon (4.2%), Maryland even by creating phone banks to remind community members (2.9%) and Virginia (2.8%). The Latino electorate in the U.S. as a about voter registration deadlines in their state. LULAC has whole is 14.9%. also given new citizens a voice. Volunteers registered voters at Voto Latino is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded citizenship ceremonies to ensure that newly eligible voters have the in 2004 that promotes positive change and opportunity to exercise their right to vote voter participation by recruiting celebrity this November. voices, using modern technology and enlisting The potential increase in voter “This year the youth participation. Actress and activist participation among Hispanic youth is Rosario Dawson, one of the founders of Voto significant. Only one in six young Latinos is Hispanic vote was Latino, took time from filming two major registered to vote. That compares to one in a decisive factor in movies to engage voters. The organization’s three black youths and half of non-Hispanic executive director, Maria Teresa Petersen, has white youths. Voto Latino has registered determining which become a high-profile expert on the Latino more than 22,000 new voters since January. electorate, appearing regularly on CNN, candidate won the Earlier this year, Voto Latino and Declare MSNBC and NPR. Yourself launched a Web-based public presidency.”

Working with Voto Latino and several service announcement campaign featuring other advocacy organizations, LULAC took “That 70’s Show” star Wilmer Valderrama –Brent Wilkes on the mission to register 60,000 voters for and Rosario Dawson. the upcoming general election. LULAC hoped Voto Latino launched a public service to meet this ambitious goal with the help of voter registration announcement campaign the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), in partnership with YouTube which allows youths to submit National Council of La Raza (NCLR), Congressional Hispanic voter registration spots of their own. In addition, artists such Caucus Institute (CHCI), Comcast and AT&T. With looming as Pitbull and Don Dinero are airing national voter registration registration deadlines, LULAC volunteers have taken to the streets, announcements through partnerships with television networks shopping centers and even festivals all across America. such as Time-Warner Cable, TV Azteca, LATV, SiTV, MTV Tr3s Voto Latino has raised awareness of the Latino vote and has and Mun2. Other announcements focusing on first-time voters of boosted Latino registration by holding events at the Democrat Mexican origin in the Southwest and Midwest involved Mexican and Republican presidential conventions. At a star-studded Voto music artists. Additionally, LULAC has partnerships with Rock the Latino event at the Democrat convention, Dawson and 400 leaders Vote, Comcast, Telemundo, America Votes and Azteca America. in business, politics, media and entertainment showed their 4

news ▪ Fall 2008

Rosales Re-elected President of LULAC Latino Leaders Receive Presidential Awards Secretary.

The Assembly selected Cincinnati, Ohio, to be the site the LULAC’s convention in 2011. Previously selected convention sites are San Juan for 2009 and Albuquerque for 2010.

Photo by Tiempo Social Magazine

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

LULAC National President Rosa Rosales of San Antonio, Texas, was unanimously re-elected to a third term on the final day of the organization’s 2008 convention in Washington, D.C. National Assembly members also elected the following members to the LULAC Executive Committee: Jessica Martinez, National Youth President; Jaime P. Martinez, National Treasurer; Regla Gonzalez, National Vice President for Women; Bertha Urteaga, Ray Mancera National Vice President for Youth; Vivian National V. P. for the Feliciano, National Vice President for Southwest Southeast and Michelle Pelayo, National Vice President for Young Adults.

Also elected were, Richard Fimbres, National Vice President for the Elderly, Toula Politis Lugo, National Vice President for Northeast; Ray Mancera, National Vice President for Southwest; Alicia Rios, National Vice President for Midwest and Angel Luevano, National Vice President for Farwest.

Ms. Rosales reappointed Luis Vera as National Legal Advisor, Ray Velarde as General Counsel and Theresa Filberth as National

Latino Leaders Recognized At LULAC Awards Banquet

Fred Diaz of San Antonio, Texas, Council 2, and Martha Chavarria of North Regla González Monterrey, Calif., Council 2907, received National Man and Woman of the Year Awards from V. P. for Women President Rosales at LULAC’s convention Presidential Awards Banquet. Council 14012 of Camuy, Puerto Rico, received the Council of the Year Award.

Connie Rodriguez, District 15 Deputy Director for the Elderly in Council 4619 in San Antonio, received the Angie Garcia Award.

Darryl Morin, LULAC Wisconsin State Director, was given the Felix Tijerina Award and LULAC Treasurer Jaime Martinez received the Cesar Chavez Award for Leadership and Community Service.

Margaret Moran, outgoing LULAC Vice President for Women, received the Anita Del Rio Award for Latina Leadership and Women’s Advocacy. Ana EstradaValenzuela was given the Raymond Telles Award for Education and Angel Luevano received the Aztec Award for Civil Rights.

Elsie Valdes received the J. C. Martinez Award for Membership and Expansion. President Rosales recognized William D. Bonilla, Ruben Bonilla and Tony Bonilla, past LULAC National Presidents, for their contributions to the Hispanic community.

Presidential medals were given to Manuel Marquez of Orange County, Calif., for serving LULAC for more than 50 years, and Council 1 members Henry Gorham, Ramiro Photo by Luis Nuño Briones Newly elected LULAC National Board and LULAC National Staff celebrate the Gamboa, Raul Vasquez, T.J. Jimenez and David Marquez for their contributions to LULAC. closing of a successful convention.

SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. Announces New Officers for Board of Directors

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rving, Texas – SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. an organization founded by LULAC and the GI Forum, now the largest Hispanic employment and training program in the United States, held board elections at its annual meeting in San Antonio, TX. on Wednesday October 22nd. The SER board of directors elected Mr. Joe Campos as Board Chairman; and Ms. Linda Rivas was named Secretary. Mr. Campos previously served as Board Secretary. Past Chairman Tom Trotter was named Chairman Emeritus.

Mr. Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO, said, “We are grateful for the unwavering dedication and support the Board of Directors have imparted and look forward to their continued contribution.”

Joe Campos, President of Comunidad Corporation, oversees an eighty-four million dollar corporation in Texas and Mexico. Joe Campos was appointed to the SER National Board of Directors in 2002 and has previously held LULAC Leadership positions for over 36 years.

Linda Rivas, President of SER Jobs for Progress of San Antonio, an affiliate of SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc., was appointed to the SER National Board of Directors in 2006. Through her work, Linda Rivas secures employment opportunities and employability of workers in San Antonio, while increasing business and economic opportunities for all. Linda Rivas serves on various boards and commission throughout Bexar Joe Campos County.

Chair, SE

R National

www.LULAC.org

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Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

LULAC Strengthens Programs with Corporate Partners

(L-R) LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes; Ms. Susan Santana, Assistant Vice President, External Affairs, AT&T; LULAC National President Rosa Rosales and LULAC Wisconsin State Director Darryl Morin.

By Lizette Jenness Olmos LULAC wants to thank the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, Inc. for the $1 million grant awarded at the LULAC National Convention in Washington, D.C., to implement LULAC’s Adelante! America program, which provides academic classes, mentoring and student leadership development for underserved, at-risk Latino teens in grades eight through 10.

“This important educational initiative in our community will help ensure that our nation’s rich high-tech future and digital empowerment is within reach of our Latino youth,” said LULAC President Rosa Rosales. “A good education is the key to a successful future. And as a long-time leader in broadband and mobile communications, and a long-term dependable partner of the Hispanic community, AT&T is once again demonstrating their corporate leadership by keeping the

American dream accessible to Latino students all across the country.”

The $1 million grant will be spread out over two years and will serve a total of 910 participants in the eighth through the 10th grade. The Adelante! America program will develop services and activities that will link classroom learning with the challenges that students face in post-secondary education and the workplace of the future. The goals include increasing rates of on-time promotion to the next grade; improvement of academic performance as measured by grades and test scores; improvement of interpersonal relationships between children and their peers, teachers, family and other adults; reduction of the dropout rate, delinquency and gang involvement; and achieving a higher graduation rate for its participants.

“As one of the most respected advocacy organizations in the country, LULAC will help ensure that Latino students have the tools they need to live up to their maximum educational potential,” said Susan Santana, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs, AT&T. “We are honored to play a small part in helping today’s Latino youth become tomorrow’s world leaders.”

The AT&T Foundation’s Aspire program was launched earlier this year in an attempt to address the fact that nearly one-third of U.S. high school students drop out every year, which amounts to one student dropping out every 26 seconds — a disproportionate number of whom are Hispanic. The $100 million philanthropic effort announced in April reflects AT&T’s commitment to help to strengthen student success and workforce readiness.

Currently, Latinos are vastly underperforming when compared to other groups. The percentage of American adults over the age of 25 that has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher is 27.2 percent overall.

Among Latinos, that percentage is only 12.2 percent. In addition, Hispanic secondary school students have the highest dropout rates of any ethnic or racial group in the U.S.

LULAC Corporate Alliance Members CHAIR Mr. Victor G. Cabral, Senior Counsel, NBC/Telemundo VICE CHAIRS Mr. Orlando Padilla, Vice Chair Strategic Planning; Director, Public Policy Center, General Motors Corporation Mr. Richard Abraham Rugnao, Vice Chair Public Relations; Public Affairs Senior Manager, Global Diversity & Inclusion, YUM! Brands Inc. Mr. Peter Villegas, Vice Chair Finance; First Vice President, National Manager of Emerging Markets, Washington Mutual Ms. Nicole Lewis, Altria Corporate Services, Inc. Mr. Juan Rios, Manager, U.S. Hispanic National Organizations, American Airlines Mr. Jesus Rangel, Vice President, Corporate Relations, Anheuser-Busch Companies Ms. Susan Santana, Assistant Vice President, External Affairs, AT&T Ms. Larcine Bland, Director, Intercultural and Community Affairs, Blockbuster Entertainment, Inc. Mr. Tom Leibensperger, BlueCross BlueShield Association Ms. Andrea Marquez, Mgr. of Diversity & Multicultural Relations, Burger King Corporation Mr. Rudy M. Beserra, Vice President, The Coca-Cola Company

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Ms. Susan Gonzales, Sr. Director, Federal Government Affairs, Comcast Ms. Angelina Ornelas, VP National Production, Multicultural Markets, Countrywide Bank, FSB Mr. Leonard James, III, Manager, Multicultural Marketing, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Ms. Georgina Salguero, Community Relations Assistant, Ford Motor Company Fund Mr. Brad Shaw, SVP, Corporate Communications & External Affairs, The Home Depot Ms. Vicki Lynn Cartwright, Manager of MultiCultural Affairs, JC Penney Company, Inc. Mr. Gus Viano, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, McDonald’s Corporation Mr. Jose Ruano, Corporate Relations Manager, Miller Brewing Company Ms. Nilda Gumbs, Senior Director, State & Local Government Affairs, National Cable & Telecommunications Association Ms. Victoria Negrete, Director of Hispanic Public Relations, Nissan North America Mr. Ernest L. McFadden, Manager Community Affairs, PepsiCo, Inc. Mr. Raul Damas, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Pfizer, Inc. Ms. Marieli E. Colon-Padilla, Director, Hispanic Outreach, PhRMA

Ms. Lourdes Ribera, Multicultural External Relations, The Procter & Gamble Company Mr. Bob Garza, Executive Director of Municipal Relations, SBC Communications, Inc. Ms. Patricia J. Richards, Manager, Supplier Diversity and Outreach, Shell Oil Company Mr. Jon Muñoz, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sprint Nextel Corporation Mr. Ed Nicholson, Supervisor, Multicultural Community Relations, Corporate Public Relations, Tyson Foods, Inc Ms. Ivelisse Estrada, VP, Corporate & Com. Relations, Univision Communications Inc. Mr. Emilio Gonzalez, Vice President, Public Policy & Strategic Alliance, Verizon Mr. Roger Guzman, Senior Manager of Hispanic Markets, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Mr. Efrain G. Fuentes, Director, Diversity Programs, The Walt Disney Company Mr. Mario Hernandez, Director of Public Affairs, Western Union Mr. Benni C. Darden, Director, Constituency Relations, Government Affairs, Altria Corporate Services, Inc.

news ▪ Fall 2008

Women’s CORNER

Save the Date!

The 2009 LULAC National Women’s Conference “Latina Achievers: Changing the Nation” Scheduled to take place April 3-4, 2009 in Boston, Mass.

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ULAC National Vice President for Women Regla González invites you to attend the LULAC National Women’s Conference in Boston, Mass., to be held on April 3-4, 2009.

“Latinas are getting elected to top positions in federal, state and local elections,” said González. “This is the year that the woman’s vote will carry a lot of weight in the presidential elections.”

As LULAC celebrates our 80th anniversary fighting for civil rights, Latinas have made tremendous strides in holding positions of influence within American society. I am humbled and honored to be serving as your National Vice President for Women.

We are confident that the future will see Latinas making greater inroads into the non-profit, government, business, and political sectors of our country as our community begins to realize its full potential.

Regla González LULAC National Vice President for Women

Hotel Information: Hyatt Regency Boston One Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, Massachusetts Tel: 617-912-1234

Sunset over the Zakim Bridge

For more information and to register, please contact the LULAC fiscal office at 915-577-0726 www.LULAC.org

Boston at dusk

Skyline from downtown Boston

www.LULAC.org

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Highlights of the 2008 LULAC Convention Photos by Luis Nuno Briones

STEM CELLS: NONCONTROVERSIAL SOLUTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE Medical research in the area of stem cells has progressed significantly in recent years and so has the number of diseases which can be treated with stem cells therapies. Cryo-Cell International has been the leader in noncontroversial stem cell solutions for years – making it possible for families to bank and use their newborn’s stem cells for life-saving and life-altering transplants.

Cryo-Cell is America’s most established and trusted family cord blood bank. Our signature service, U-Cord®, was launched in 1992. Since then, over 150,000 families have banked their newborn’s umbilical cord blood stem cells with Cryo-Cell for potential use against many diseases.

Over 8,000 stem cell transplants have been performed worldwide, and cord blood stem cells are currently used to treat over 75 different diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, sickle cell anemia and many others. The most important fact about cord blood banking is that you only get one chance – at birth – to make the important choice to bank your baby’s cord blood, which is a 100 percent match for the baby, and a 1:4 chance of a match for siblings.

If you would like more information about how your family and friends can protect their children by saving their precious newborn’s cord blood, please call Cryo-Cell at 1-866-211-9168 or visit us online at www.cryo-cell.com.

INNOVATIVE STEM CELL SOLUTIONS In addition to U-Cord®, Cryo-Cell International is leading the way in developing revolutionary innovative stem cell solutions to protect the entire family.

Our exclusive service – C’elle – enables women to collect and cryo-preserve vital stem cells that are found in menstrual fluid. Exciting new research shows that menstrual fluid actually contains self-renewing stem cells that can be easily collected, processed and preserved for potential cellular therapies.

What makes the C’elle menstrual stem cells so valuable and unique is that they show markings of both embryonic and adult stem cells. They are highly proliferative and they have shown to differentiate in several kinds of cells, including adipose (or fat cells), cartilage, bone, heart and neural cells.

Because of this differentiation, in the future, these cells may be the basis of medical treatments for serious diseases, like osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and MS, as well as personalized cosmeceuticals and regenerative medical procedures. In fact, several studies are under way currently, including using these cells for therapies to treat Type 1 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

DISTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITIES Cryo-Cell International now offers the opportunity to become an official C’elle Distributor and bring this innovation to your patients and clients, as well as earn additional revenue for your business. C’elle Distributorship is perfect for physician offices, as well as medi-spas and other businesses that cater to female clients. It’s also a great opportunity for stay-at-home moms and others who are interested in making additional income from home. Becoming a C’elle Distributor is a simple process. There is no start-up investment required and no obligation to purchase materials; and there’s no quota obligation.

C’elle is for women who want to be on the cutting edge of medical innovation. As a distributor, you will be able to bring this innovation to your patients and clients, while creating an additional revenue channel for your business.

Call C’elle at 1-866-211-9168 or visit us online at www.CELLE.com.

For more information please call or visit us online

1-866-211-9168 www.Cryo-Cell.com www.CELLE.com.

Disponible en español folletos y páginas web www.LULAC.org

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news from Around the League

Northeast Corner

Southwest Corner

LULAC and La Alianza Hispana Partner to Get Latinos Online

LULAC and AARP: Divided We Fail… Together We Can!

By Hugo Cabrera

By David Perez

The City of Boston brought brand-new technology to Latinos.

In a partnership with La Alianza Hispana, a Boston Latino familysupport services organization, LULAC opened its 32nd community technology center. La Alianza Hispana was awarded $25,000 through LULAC’s Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative.

The center will provide instruction and access to technology to aid English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes as well as job searches and online citizenship services.

The technology center aims to serve lowincome and/or first Boston students use the computer services to learn generation the necessary skills and access to compete in today’s Hispanic technology-driven workplaces.

American youth and adults. The opening of the center comes at the same time as the release of a Pew Hispanic Center study which found that the 53 percent of Hispanics who are not online do not lack desire, but instead lack access to the Internet altogether.

With a fleet of new computers equipped with high-speed internet, video conferencing capabilities and a team of volunteers prepared to instruct users, La Alianza Hispana and LULAC hope to give Latinos the much-needed ability to compete in an ever more electronically connected world. “The computers help me look for a job and to gain confidence in technology,” said Maria Fuentes, a user of the technology center.

“Our community center connects Latinos with technology and expands their (L-R) Tony Barros, City of Boston resources by giving them the Mayor Thomas M. Menino ’s skills and tools necessary Advisor, LULAC National Executive to advance,” said Hispanic Director Brent Wilkes and LULAC Alliance Executive Director National VP for Women Regla Janet Collazo.

González.

“It is important to be knowledgeable of the Internet, especially at this critical time we are currently living in. We need to acquire the necessary resources to be able to compete when it comes time to find a job,” said LULAC National Vice President for Women Regla González.

FACT: Only 40% of Latinos have health insurance coverage from their employer.

ACTION: Hold elected officials accountable to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care and peace of mind about their future long-term financial security.

LULAC and AARP have united forces with the non-partisan Divided We Fail (DWF) initiative to ensure that elected officials are held accountable for quality health care and financial security by holding roundtable events across the country. The roundtables bring together key community opinion leaders to discuss strengthening Social Security; making affordable, quality health care available for all; making prescription drugs more affordable for all; creating incentives to save for retirement and expanding job opportunities so people can keep working and contributing to society as they get older. On September 17, 2008, LULAC National President Rosa Rosales kicked off the first town hall meeting at the Guadalupe Theater in San Antonio, Texas, organize by LULAC District 15 and District Director Elia Mendoza to rally support among the residents of Texas to join the millionstrong DWF movement to demand better health care and long-term financial security for all Americans.

AARP Texas President Gus Cárdenas gave moving opening remarks, including how he was the recipient of a LULAC Scholarship that Gus Cárdenas, AARP Texas helped him complete college President and eventually become a college professor. The festive event included an opening reception with mariachis, pan dulce, and aguas frescas attended by 100 community members. LULAC and AARP representatives led a panel discussion and audience members shared personal testimony about struggles with health care and meeting financial obligations after retiring, provided a call to action to sign Divided We Fail pledges, and showed a moving music video from Aretha Franklin. Three additional opinion leader forums are planned for Sacramento, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Tuscon, Arizona.

Together We Can! Sign the AARP-LULAC petition today at www. dividedwefail.org/LULAC.

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news ▪ Fall 2008

news from Around the League

Farwest Corner

Southeast Corner

Nissan, Univision and LULAC Join Forces To Give Hispanic Youth a “Boost”

Puerto Rico House Speaker Aponte Welcomes LULAC Delegation in Preparation of 2009 Convention

By Lizette Jenness Olmos

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

Accompanied by a cross-section of dignitaries, celebrities, Latino cultural icons, sports fanatics and thousands of Los Angeles citizens at the LA Coliseum, LULAC received $20,000 from Nissan to fund a new educational initiative: “El Reto Supremo Académico” (The Ultimate Academic Challenge). This donation will help LULAC provide underserved Hispanic youth with scholarships and enable students to pursue careers in mathematics, science or engineering.

“We recognize that for our country to reach its true potential, it is vital to stimulate greater achievement in these key academic areas,” said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, senior manager of philanthropy & diversity communications for Nissan.

LULAC National President Rosa Rosales, LULAC member Elsie Valdez, and LULAC Puerto Rico State Director Haydee Rivera meet with Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose Aponte on their visit to Puerto Rico in preparations for the upcoming LULAC National 2009 Puerto Rico convention set for July 13 through July 18, 2009.

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ULAC invites you to participate in the 80th Annual LULAC National Convention & Exposition, in San Juan, Puerto Rico from July 13 through July 18, 2009. As the premier Hispanic convention, the LULAC National Convention draws over 15,000 participants each year including the top lead leaders from government, business, and the Hispanic community.

LULAC National President Rosa Rosales, Puerto Rico, LULAC State Director, Haydee Rivera, Elia Mendoza and Elsie Valdez at a radio interview at WAPA Radio in Puerto Rico promoting the National Convention.

www.LULAC.org

LULAC National President Rosa Rosales and LNESC Executive Director Richard Roybal attend Department of Education Mentoring Program with Idalis Perez, Mentoring Program Director and Maria Guadalupe, Principal Cacique Majagua School.

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

“LULAC is delighted to partner with Nissan to be able to provide scholarships to deserving Latino students,” said LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “It is companies like Nissan that help open the doors of opportunity to the future leaders of our community and our country.” California State Assembly Member Pedro Nava from the 35th district. He stressed the importance of education in the areas of math, science and engineering, and awarded scholarships to three deserving students from the Los Angeles area.

To connect with the love of soccer among young Latinos, Nissan helped sponsor “El Juego Supremo” (The Ultimate Match), a sevenpart sports reality TV series airing on Univision. This program matched 10 rookies from Mexico and 10 rookies from the rest of the Americas to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in which they trained alongside soccer legends.

The “grand finale” was no ordinary soccer scrimmage. Five lucky aspiring Latino soccer talents were recognized as “the ultimate best” while the rest were given “the red card.” These up-and-coming “Soccer Supremes” could have many doors opened for them after being recognized on National Hispanic Television.

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

(L-R) LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes, Nissan representative, Jose Ramirez, Karina Barbosa, Alejandro Tamayo and California State Assembly Member Pedro Nava from the 35th district.

11

news from Around the League

Midwest Corner Chicago Mural: Education, Empowerment and Success!

League of United Latin American Citizens

LULAC National Golf Classic Tournament

By David Perez

T

he second of four LULAC Youth & Young Adults mural projects took place September 4-7 in Chicago, Ill . Over four days, 70 LULAC youth and young adults and community volunteers worked in collaborative effort to create an inspirational mural depicting positive images of Latino youth and encouraging empowerment through education.

The project was concluded at a community celebration with remarks from Illinois State Rep. Susana Mendoza, Alderman George Cardenas, and local, state, regional, and national LULAC representatives, music, a voter registration drive, and lunch provided by Pizza Hut, sponsor of the project. The event was covered by the local Univision station in Chicago and Hoy newspaper.

The AT&T community phone directory has decided to place an image of the LULAC mural on the front cover of its newest edition.

Local business owners were inspired by the youth mural project and asked if we could paint additional murals in the community.

Seeing the positive work of LULAC, local leaders have created two new LULAC youth councils.

One is comprised of local youth artists who will continue to engage the Latino community through mural projects in Chicago.

We thank Pizza Hut of Yum! Brands, Inc. and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts for being the generous sponsors of this project.

The next mural projects are scheduled for Atlanta, Ga. and Dallas, Texas in the fall. If the Youth & Young Adults councils in those areas are interested, please contact David Perez at DPerez@LULAC.org.

Registration Form Name:____________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City ______________ State _______ Zip_________ Phone: ____________________________________ E-mail ____________________________________ For more information, contact Mario Marsans, LULAC National Office at mmarsans@lulac.org Elia Mendoza, San Antonio 210-488-5766 or

Photos from Around the League

Mexican Fiesta attendees meet LULAC’s representative Maritza Bosques to apply for DTV coupons to help offset the cost of certified TV converter boxes that are issued through the government. The deadline to obtain a coupon is March 31, 2009.

12

Elizabeth Garcia, LULAC Program Manager/Policy Analyst, collects signatures for the AARP Divided We Fail and DTV Digital Transition registration drive in Milwaukee, Wis.

news â–Ş Fall 2008

“A low limit credit card helped me face a financial crisis and allowed me to

rebuild my life.”

-

The Honorable Pedro Marin, Georgia House of Representatives

My story is by no means unique, approximately 70 million people in the U.S. today would not qualify for a ‘prime’ credit card.

Low limit credit cards are an important tool for many people to get a second chance.

A recent study, confirms that low limit credit cards have helped improve the credit scores of over 4 million people over the last 2 years.

A proposed rule issued by the Federal Reserve Board could cut off millions from needed credit.

Congress and the Fed should work together to protect consumers AND protecting their continued access to credit.

To learn more about the study go to www.equalaccesstocredit.org

Profile: Gregorio Chavez

By Hugo Cabrera Q: When and where were you born?

A: I was born Nov. 21, 1932, in Robstown, Texas.

Q: How long have you been involved with LULAC? A: Since February 1973, so more than 35 years.

Q: Who do you admire most?

A: Manuel Gonzales, past national president. He took over LULAC when not many others wanted to. He jumped into the seat of president and handled things very well.

Q: Who is your mentor?

A: I don’t have a mentor, but I have emulated the style of leaders whom I admire such as Manuel Gonzales and Ruben Bonilla.

Q: What made you want to get involved with LULAC? A: I had just retired from 20 years of service in the Air Force. In the Air Force, I had lacked the ability to get involved in groups other than the Boy Scouts and church groups. After leaving, I decided to become a member when I heard an advertisement over the radio of an upcoming LULAC meeting.

Q: What do you think is one of the most important issues affecting Latinos today?

A: Immigration is the most important issue affecting Latinos today.

The treatment and exploitation of Latinos who are here is also troubling.

Q: What was your most memorable LULAC moment?

A: At the National Convention in Albuquerque, I had no intention of running for the Vice President for Midwest, but was drafted by the Indiana delegates.

“They did not even ask me, but instead asked my wife because they knew that she was the boss.”

Q: What are the activities in which you are involved?

A: I spent a great deal of time helping youth, particularly through scholarship programs.

Q: What is an important leadership characteristic?

A: One quality that I saw in both Manuel Gonzalez and Ruben Bonilla was how they treated everyone as equals, no matter their status. I also admire this quality in Rosa Rosales.

Q: What do you do when you are not with LULAC? A: I volunteer at La Casa de Amistad, a community center located in South Bend, Ind., which has recently received 10 computers which are made available to the community. On August 8, I was recognized with the “Community Knows No Borders” Award as well as an award from Rosa Rosales, the “Seal of the National President.”

14

news ▪ Fall 2008

Profile:

Ana Valenzuela Estrada Q: When and where were you born?

A: I was born in the border town of Nogales (Ariz.) on June 4, 1950.

Q: How long have you been involved with LULAC? A: Twenty years ago, I was asked by the Pima Community College president to work in the LULAC Youth Leadership Conference which was being hosted by the West Campus. I met Richard and Mary Fimbres, LULAC Youth Leadership Conference cosponsors, and that was the beginning of my involvement with LULAC. Q: Who do you admire most?

A: First, I admire God…and so many people who are with us and others who have passed away. My father and my grandmother, who passed away, my children, Ricky, Ana, Richard, Brenda and Sean, as well as my grandchildren, Amber Raiyn, Adan Nathaniel and Richard, for their love, to respect and their constant teachings of being a familia. Also, I admire my LULAC familia and its commitment to better our communities.

Q: Who is your mentor?

A: I have been blessed with so many mentors in my life, but the initial architects of my life were my father and my grandmother who taught me the love of God, respect humanity, and the importance of being a responsible, serving citizen.

Q: What made you want to get involved with LULAC? A: I was extremely interested in the success of the LULAC Youth Leadership Conference in Tucson, Ariz., and what it meant for the future generations. Richard and Mary Fimbres invited me to participate in different projects and programs and I became extremely involved in LULAC, which is part of my mission in life.

Q: What do you think are the most important issues affecting Latinos today?

A: Many issues affect our Latino community: health, the elderly, voter’s registration, youth, the young adults, women’s issues, leadership, education and immigration. In my opinion, the Dream Act is the most vital issue that needs to be addressed and resolved. There are so many ramifications that occur due to this issue, especially living in fear of the unknown.

Also, the lack of representation of Latinos at higher levels in our community.

Q: What was your most memorable LULAC moment?

A: There are many memorable moments that I have had in LULAC. When your grand kids say, “I know what LULAC is and what they do.” When I see a student’s eyes filled with happiness and joy when you share with them the opportunities for a better future and the way to get there. When you see a college student bring his diploma or have attended the LNESC Leadership Summit and made a difference in her life. When I see women and the elderly treated with respect, these are some of the memorable moments that I have experienced while being in LULAC.

www.LULAC.org

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

Q: What activities are you involved in?

A: The activities that I am involved in are voters’ registration, leadership, predatory lending, immigration, education, seeking opportunities for lack of Latino representation.

Q: What is an important leadership characteristic?

A: The ability to make people part of a vision, project or program and make it a fun and successful endeavor!

Q: What do you do when you are not with LULAC? A: I love to be with my family and friends, travel and continue my education.

Q: What has had the biggest impact on you this year?

A: The biggest impact for me this year has been the love, respect and unity that my familia, extended familia and friends have for me, and serving my community.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

A: I thank God that allowed me the following accomplishments: living an extremely great life with my family and extended family; my education AA. BSBA, MS Ed, MS Ed (need 2 courses) and candidate for the doctoral degree; and finally, the impact I have made serving our community.

Q: What is your message to those reading this?

A: Get involved, organize, empower, unite and succeed! Now is the time for you to get involved! Empower yourself and others, guide them and make this world a better place, especially for our youth and young adults. They are the present and future of our country.

Education is the key to success and together we make the difference.

15

Profile: Sylvia Gonzalez Q: When and where were you born?

A: I was born on Jan. 21, 1944, in Houston, Texas. My parents are originally from Mexico. I am part of our family’s first generation born in the United States.

Q: How long have you been involved with LULAC? A: I have been with LULAC for 37 years.

Q: Who do you admire most?

A: I admire my mother, who did such an excellent job in raising me and my siblings. My mother was born in Mexico and immigrated to Texas. She taught her children how to read at a very young age, something that my school was not used to seeing.

Q: Who is your mentor?

A. My mentor was Olga Solis, a LULAC leader in Texas. She got me involved in LULAC and also inspired me to go back to college to get a BA degree in education and a masters degree in criminal justice.

Q: What made you want to get involved with LULAC? A: I joined LULAC because I saw the need to have more Latinos on decision-making boards such as that of the YWCA. I also saw a need to have more Latinos on grand juries.

Q: What do you think is one of the most important issues affecting Latinos today?

A: Economics and immigration raids that single out immigrants as criminals are key issues. I am also very concerned about the treatment of children. Recently, I have been working to inform Latinos about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles or around swimming pools. Children are far too precious to be left alone. In coming weeks, I will take part in a Univision special which will explain the dangers of leaving children unattended.

Q: What was your most memorable LULAC moment?

A: I recall the marches with union organizer Cesar Chavez as my most memorable moments with LULAC. Q: What activities that you are involved in?

A: I have been very involved in civil rights issues, especially discrimination in the workplace.

Q: What is an important leadership characteristic?

A: I consider objectivity to be the best characteristic of a leader. A leader who is objective is less influenced by self-interests and is better equipped to take a stance and be proactive on the issues that really matter.

Q: What do you do when you are not with LULAC? A: I am an avid newspaper reader. I enjoy staying informed on local, national and international issues. But more than anything else, I enjoy my family. Family comes first. I have two daughters and one adopted son and have raised four grandchildren.

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

A: I have been involved recently in voter registration drives. By registering people at citizenship ceremonies, we can ensure that new citizens will be politically involved.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

A: I have overcome much adversity. I raised three children and four grandchildren while also meeting the challenges of the Latino community, working two jobs and studying for my BA and masters degrees.

Q: What is your message to those reading this?

A: Keep LULAC alive, preserve its philosophy and remember its goals. LULAC needs to be defended as the number one Latino organization. I urge members not to forget the rich history of LULAC, a history that includes great leadership and strong female leaders.

Q: What has had the biggest impact on you this year?

16

news ▪ Fall 2008

Legacy of Our Heroes: The U.S. Army and LULAC Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Honored Soldiers at the Army’s Miami Reception, flanked by Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick II (right) and Dr. Luis Andrade, President of USHLI.

Honored Soldiers at the U.S. Army’s Dallas reception with Retired Major General Alfred Valenzuela.

Guests at the U.S. Army’s San Antonio reception were also entertained by Mariachis.

“Men and women who, no matter what their flag of national origin, are descendents of one common banner — Old Glory. Who are partners in one common purpose — to keep the United States free and strong. And who are guardians of one common trust -- One Nation, under God.” — Anthony J. Principi Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Speech to Hispanic American Veterans.

Continuing a long tradition of honoring the legacy and contributions of Hispanic Americans in the service of our nation, the U.S. Army once again celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month — annually observed in the United States from September 15 to October 15 — with a series of events in seven of America’s largest Hispanic markets.

Under the theme ‘Centuries of Selfless Service,’ this year’s program included receptions for local opinion leaders, high school visits and media relations outreach to Hispanic outlets across the country. The cities visited during this year’s program were: Dallas, San Antonio, Chicago, Miami, New York, Los Angeles and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

LULAC was one of the Army’s key partners in this year’s celebrations. At the San Antonio reception, National President Rosa Rosales reminded invited guests that LULAC and the Army have had a longstanding partnership of many years. “The Army has not only been a leading sponsor of our annual national convention, but, most recently, helped LULAC re-launch its LNESC Washington Youth Leadership Seminar,” she said. “We appreciate the Army’s openness and frankness with LULAC and hope our relationship may continue in the years to come,” she added.

Independence, when Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish Army Officer and governor of Louisiana, supplied aid and comfort to the 217,000-member Continental Army as it took on the world’s superpower of its day, to the forty names of Latino Soldiers who have received our nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, Hispanics have much to be proud of — a legacy of service and sacrifice that extends to this day.

The challenge for Army recruiting is clear: to ensure this historical legacy is continuously recalled and communicated to Hispanic audiences, ensuring a fair representation of Hispanics in our nation’s Army. A 2008 study by the Population Reference Bureau confirmed prior findings from several other organizations — Pew Hispanic Research among them — that Hispanics are under represented in the Army. While Hispanics make up 16 percent of America’s labor force, this study reported that they only account for 11.9 percent of the U.S. Army. Their representation among the officer ranks across all military branches is even smaller: 4.8 percent for Hispanic men and 5.3 percent for Hispanic women. A goal that LULAC president Rosales strongly supports: “We need more Hispanic Officers and more Hispanics graduating from our country’s elite military schools. We will continue working with the Army to achieve a fair representation of Hispanics in its ranks.”

(1) Latinos Claim Larger Share U.S. Military Personnel, Mady Wechsler Segal and David R. Segal, Population Reference Bureau, 2007-08. http://www.prb.org/ Articles/2007/HispanicsUSMilitary.aspx?p=1

A noble lineage of service and the need for parity The U.S. Army’s reception in San Juan, Puerto Rico, also honored local heroes. Here accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Izaguirre (left).

The history of Hispanic contributions to our nation’s military is a distinguished one. From the time of the War of

Paid Commercial www.LULAC.org

LULAC National Education Service Centers (LNESC) Youth Summit in Partnership with the U.S. Army During a Graduation Ceremony in Washington, D.C. 17

Issues Brief Gates Foundation Helps LULAC Involve Parents in Education Reform LULAC is a founding member of the Campaign for High School Equity (CHSE), a diverse coalition of national organizations representing communities of color that believe high schools should have the capacity and motivation to prepare every student for graduation, college, work, and life.

CHSE represents Americans of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, united under the mission of raising every U.S. high school to the high level of excellence that the country’s youth deserve and upon which the nation’s future depends.

Members of CHSE contend that federal education reform has been decided by politicians in Washington with little consultation with parents in local communities. With almost 50% of Latino students dropping out of high school, LULAC believes it is more important than ever for Latino parents to become advocates for their children on federal education policy. At its 2008 national convention, LULAC launched its Parent Involvement Initiative with a town hall meeting. LULAC will conduct an additional 11 day-long workshops in communities throughout the country. The workshops will train parents to get involved in education reform at the local level and also contribute to discussions on federal education reform.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is providing generous support for this LULAC initiative.

Don’t Get Tuned Out: Prepare for the Switch to Digital TV On Feb. 17, 2009, U.S. households across the country will experience a historic moment in the evolution of television broadcasting – the end of analog TV broadcasts. Federal law will require that full-powered television stations broadcast in digital only.

If you rely on a rooftop antenna or ‘rabbit ears,’ you will need to be plugged into a special television converter to receive digital broadcasts. If you do not have a converter box you will be watching a blank screen. LULAC is urging all communities to prepare for the switch now!

If you have an older analog-only TV, you have three options in preparing for the changeover: buy an analog-to-digital converter box that will plug into your current TV, buy a new TV with a digital tuner or connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

The federal government is issuing up to two $40 coupons for each U.S. household to help make the switch. The coupons will help defer the cost of converter boxes, which generally cost between $40 and $70. The coupons look like gift cards and are free, but they expire 90 days after they are mailed. Don’t wait! Apply now, go to www.

DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). More information can be found at www.LULAC.org/DTV. You should become a LULAC e-member to get important updates on the DTV transition. Sign up at www.lulac.org/members to receive LULAC News Updates.

Submitted by Marisol Pineda, LULAC Communications Intern and Maritza Bosques, LULAC DTV Project Coordinator.

18

The University of Phoenix Offers New Scholarship Program The University of Phoenix has aligned with LULAC to provide full-tuition scholarships.

The annual program will empower 25 University of Phoenix Scholarship booth during individuals the LULAC National Convention Expo pictured to complete is LULAC Associate Members Council #1 of a degree Hermosillo , Mexico – July 9-13, 2008, Washington, program D.C. through the University of Phoenix. The monetary amount per scholarship varies due to the amount of the transferrable credits.

The value of the scholarship could be as high as $50.000. This scholarship program is for undergraduates (associates and bachelors) and graduate degrees, but not doctoral. We had over 150 applicants.

The Far west and Southwest regions had the most applicants.

However, each LULAC region including Puerto Rico had at least one scholarship awarded. Dr. John David Arnold, LULAC National Education Co-Chair is seeking to renew the scholarship program for the next year. For more information please feel free to contact me via email jarnold@ppep.org or cmartinez@ppep.org.

LULAC Receives Federal Grant For Anti-Discrimination Program LULAC and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have created a partnership to conduct a national campaign to educate the public on immigration-related employment discrimination.

A $25,000 grant from DOJ’s Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices will allow LULAC to conduct five outreach and education workshops to educate employers, potential victims of discrimination and the general public about their rights and responsibilities under the Immigration and Nationality Act’s anti-discrimination and employer sanctions provisions.

LULAC believes it is vital that the Latino community knows the laws that protect work-authorized individuals from national origin discrimination, unfair documentary practices relating to the employment eligibility verification process, and from employer retaliation.

The DOJ grant will help LULAC mobilize its network to ensure widespread dissemination of DOJ anti-discrimination material for Latinos throughout the country.

LULAC will work with its state directors and local councils in DOJ’s five target areas…Northern California; Miami, Florida; Chicago, Ill.; Northern New Jersey and Atlanta, Ga. For more information please contact Mario Marsans, MMarsans@lulac.org or Elizabeth Garcia, EGarcia@lulac.org at the LULAC National Office, 202-833-6130.

news ▪ Fall 2008

80th LULAC National Convention and Expo 2009

Save the Date!

JULY 13-18, 2009 San Juan, Puerto Rico Passport is not required to fly to Puerto Rico

Yes! I want to be a LULAC member!

All persons who are residents of the United States or are U.S. citizens residing abroad, are 18 years of age or older, and whose loyalty to our country is unquestionable, are eligible for membership in LULAC. LULAC members receive a copy of the LULAC Constitution, a membership card, a membership pin, and a complimentary subscription to the LULAC NEWS.

    

I want to join LULAC as an active member. Please send me information on councils in my home area.

I want to join LULAC as an associate member. Please find a check of $50 enclosed.

I want to become a lifetime member of LULAC. Enclosed is a contribution in the amount of $1,000.

My company would like to join LULAC as a corporate associate. Enclosed is a contribution of $1,000.

Please send me information on how I can start a LULAC council in my hometown.

Name____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City __________State_________Zip ___________________ Work Phone__________________________________________ Home Phone_________________________________________ Fax ______________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________

League of United Latin American Citizens 2000 L St., NW, Suite 610 Washington, DC 20036

www.LULAC.org

19

Youth’s CORNER

D.O.E./LULAC/UNM Partnership Working for Latino Youth

By Lizette Jenness Olmos and Hugo Cabrera The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), in partnership with the University of New Mexico, graduated thirty-five high school students from a summer youth leadership development program funded by the United States Department of Energy.

The program lasted from July 20 to August 1, 2008 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The purpose of the leadership academy, which began last summer, is to cultivate young Latino student-leaders and to promote college preparedness. The Department of Energy granted $154,833 to continue the program for three more years.

The theme of this year’s program was “Can Latinos Afford to go Green?”

President, Jessica Martinez and Dr. Eliseo Torres, Vice President for Student Affairs, UNM. Student speakers from UNM included Ruben Gonzales, Karissa Vasquez, Steven Astorga and Xochitl Romero.

“The D.O.E./LULAC/UNM partnership represents one of the ways that D.O.E works in the communities where it has a presence,” said Theresa Alvillar-Speake, Director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity from the U.S. Department of Energy. “This particular partnership focuses on developing D.O.E.’s future diverse workforce.”

“The University of New Mexico is one of the leading Hispanic institutions in the country and we are honored to hold the leadership conference in New Mexico where we will continue to see students from all over the country benefiting from this important program that develops future leaders,” said LULAC New Mexico State Director Pablo Martinez.

2008 graduates:

Students make presentation on saving the environment.

Students were given the opportunity to learn leadership skills by studying environmental issues and how they impact the community. The program provided leadership training, tutorials, guidance, counseling and cultural/ social enrichment activities.

“LULAC thanks the Department of Energy for making this national leadership program possible,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales.

We congratulate all thirty-five students who graduated from this program. We are excited about the leadership academy and were impressed by the students’ presentations that were going to start a campaign focused on saving the environment.”

Brainstorming session at the University of New Mexico.

Keynote speakers at the summer program were Theresa Alvillar-Speake, Director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity from the U.S. Department of Energy; LULAC National President, Rosa Rosales; LULAC National Youth 20

• Malleri Acevedo, Windsor, CT • Kimberly Alvarez, Dallas, TX • Tracy Aparicio, Dallas, TX • Irene Araiza, Kenosha, WI • Steven Astorga, Houston, TX • Margarita Barrón, Laredo, TX • Ashi Colina, Maywood, IL • Edgar Coronado, Tucson, AZ • Camila Cremata, Apollo Beach, FL • Omar Cruz, San Antonio, TX • Jessica Tena, Albuquerque, NM • Lizbeth Tenorio, Kenosha, WI • Ruben Terán, Sierra Vista, AZ • David Uranga, Odessa-Gardendale, TX • Karissa Vásquez, Albuquerque, NM • Jason Delarosa, White Plains, NY • Desiree Frias, Bronx, NY • Jorge García, Albuquerque, NM • Eleno Garza, Corpus Christi, TX • Anali González, Albuquerque, NM • Jazmine González, Mundelein, NM • Ruben Gonzales, Gladstone, MO • Jhordan Granger, Albuquerque, NM • Christian López, Stockton, CA • Vicente Mares, San Antonio, TX • Salina McKinney-López, Crystal Lake, IL • Alexis Nuñez, Albuquerque, NM • Karyna Ramírez, Albuquerque, NM • Kimberly Romero, Albuquerque, NM • Xochitl Romero, Cicero, IL • Angelica Salinas, San Antonio, TX • Jennifer Schrock, Carlsbad, NM • Mikayla Soto, Carlsbad, NM • Solomón Soto, Carlsbad, NM • Mercedes Stone, Odessa-Gardendale, TX

news ▪ Fall 2008

LNESC NEWS

By Hugo Cabrera and Marisol Pineda Young leaders from all over the United States received a warm welcome in the nation’s capital this October.

The 37 high school students who participated in the 2008 Washington Youth Leadership Seminar (WYLS) themed, “Sí Se Puede Ser Verde,” got an up-close and personal look at the U.S. political process.

We would like to thank Francella Chinchilla, LNESC National Staff and Elizabeth Garcia, LULAC National Staff for their exceptional support and of course our extraordinary sponsors, the U.S. Army and Wal-Mart.

“The Conference was a success, the students were interactive, and passionate about the environment” stated Richard Roybal, LNESC Executive Director.

“They came to DC and urged our Congress members, LULAC National Board and other organizations to take action for a green agenda and to preserve our planet for their future and the generations to follow.”

The juniors and seniors were given the opportunity to show off their leadership skills on a national scale while improving their knowledge of environmental policy and how it affects the Latino community. All of the participants were sponsored by their local LULAC councils and were selected based on their ability to lead, commitment to education and willingness to improve their communities.

The student’s schedule included several capital tours, information sessions and meetings with LULAC’s National Board of Directors and members of the U.S. Congress. Both Congress members Xavier Becerra and Lucille Roybal-Allard gave the students a platform to voice both environmental concerns and proposals. The students demonstrated their appreciation for the life-changing WYLS at the closing banquet. “This program is creating and helping us become better people and real leaders,” said Amaury Muños, a participant from Long Island, New York.

Student participants were: Perla Torres - Chicago, IL; Kayla Cano – Southbend, IN; Evy Minaya - Oxnard, CA; Carlo Gonzalez - Galveston, TX; Ra’id Hill - Albuquerque, TX; Alyssa Bracamonte Muñoz - Tuscon, AZ; Miguel Juarez - El Paso, TX; Jason Delarosa - Valhalla, NY; Luis Solis - El Paso, TX; Dominick O’Leary Oxnard, CA; Amaury Muñoz - New York, New York; Cristina Reyes - Los Angeles, CA; Sabeana Romero - Tucson, AZ;

Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

!2008 Si Se Puede Ser Verde!

Crystal Terriquez - Tuscon, AZ; Gerardo Cazares - Chicago, IL; Glynnis Gimenez - San Antonio, TX; Nastasha Ahlers- San Antonio, TX;Xochil Romero - Chicago, IL; Sylvia Bringuier Puerto Rico; Armando Davalos - Albuquerque, NM; Tarcilla Castillo- Dallas, TX; Zulema Ramos- Houston, TX;Catherine Guerrero- Cincinnati, OH; Peter Fontanes Jr. - New York, NY; Riley Vigil- Colorado Springs, CO; Camila Cremata Apollo Beach, FL; Manuel de la Cruz - Anaheim, CA; Badra Benkreira - Washington, DC; Francisco Medina - Hollister, CA; Jordan Senteno- Washington, DC;Lupita OrtegaStockton, CA;Shireen Korkzan - Carmel, IN; Ernesto Romero - Woodstock, IL. Chaperones included: Ed Acevedo, Rose Ann Blanco, John Moya, Feliberto Valdez and Catherine Guzman.

To learn about our programs visit us at www.LNESC.org or call for information at 202.835.9646 Richard Roybal, Executive Director | 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 610 | Washington, DC 20036

www.LULAC.org

21

L e g i s l at i v e Iss u es

High School Equity: The Unfinished Agenda of Mendez v. Westminster By: Michael T.S. Wotorson, Director, Campaign for High School Equity

I

n 1946, LULAC filed the Mendez vs. Westminster lawsuit that ended 100 years of segregation in California schools. When the Ninth Federal District Court ruled in the Mendez vs. Westminster case two years later, it becomes precedent for the Brown v. Board of Education case which would come only eight years later. More important however, when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the upheld the ruling, it sent a clear message the effectively ended “separate but equal” in California schools. Brown v. Board would go on to identify segregated schools as unequal but would fall short of addressing the resource inequities between schools serving low-income and minority students versus those serving their more affluent, largely white counterparts. Today, civil rights advocates continue to grapple with the pursuit of educational equity.

Public education in America is plagued by persistent inequities deeply rooted in a history of racism and discrimination and racial isolation and concentrated poverty further exacerbate those inequities in education. In fact, research shows that on average, less money is spent on public education in communities that have a high minority and high poverty population as compared to communities with a low minority and low poverty population. Additionally, students in predominantly low-income schools are less likely to have teachers certified in their respective subject areas than are those in wealthier schools; up to three times less likely in English and science, according to the National Center on Education Statistics.

With such disparities in funding and the distribution of high quality teachers, it should be no surprise that students of color continue to trail white students in academic achievement. Consider recent eighth-grade scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Also known as The Nation’s Report Card, it is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America’s students know and can do in various subject areas. According to an analysis of NAEP trends, African American and Latino seventeen-year-olds generally read at about the same level as white thirteen-year-olds. Unfortunately, scores in mathematics are just as distressing.

In response to the alarming disparities noted above, our nation’s high schools are faring no better. Of the nearly 7,000 high school students who drop out each school day, over half are students of color. Why are they dropping out? Many are not being engaged in the classroom; many are being pushed out as a result of some of the perverse and unintended incentives in NCLB; and many still are just not getting the preparation they need. Who are these students? While 70 percent of American students graduate from high school on time with a standard diploma, only 58 percent of Latino students do. In fact, students of color are four times more likely than white students to attend high schools commonly referred to as “dropout factories” according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Today, these dropout factories produce about half of America’s dropouts.

The dropout crisis is everyone’s problem. High school dropouts earn almost $10,000 a year less than graduates, and are also more likely to live in poverty, experience poor health, and experience incarceration. By improving educational attainment overall, the United States could save $17 billion a year on Medicaid and health care expenditures for the uninsured and raising minority graduation rates to that of white students by 2020 would add more than $310 billion to the economy.

22

Righting the situation, making sure that all students graduate from high school prepared for college, work, and life, will require a joint and committed effort. Responding to this urgent call, the League of United Latin American Citizens and nine other organizations recently formed the Campaign for High School Equity (CHSE). This first-ofits-kind partnership unites nine civil rights organizations, among them the National Council of La Raza, the National Urban League, the NAACP, and the National Indian Education Association. Each of these organizations believe that all high schools should have the capacity and motivation to ensure that all of their student graduate with a regular diploma and are fully prepared for college and work.

The CHSE seeks to effect important change in educational policy and practice at the local, state, and federal levels. In its first year of existence, the CHSE has focused primarily more on federal legislation, holding events on Capitol Hill to inform policymakers and their staffs about critical education issues from the perspective of communities of color. More specifically, CHSE has engaged federal policymakers in discussions regarding recommendations for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), better known by the name given to it in its latest iteration—the No Child Left Behind Act. These recommendations, detailed in the CHSE’s publication A Plan for Success: Communities of Color Define Policy Priorities for High School Reform, include the following: · Make all students proficient and prepared for college and work, · Hold high schools accountable for student success, · Redesign the American high school, · Provide students with the excellent leaders and teachers they need to succeed, · Invest communities in student success, and · Provide equitable learning conditions for all students.

Sixty years ago, Mendez vs. Westminster declared boldly that children of color deserved the same quality of education as White students. Today as we look toward the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, we are presented with another unique opportunity to ensure the kind of education we want for our children and grand children.

NCLB has ensured that critically important information about the performance of students of color is no longer ignored or swept under the rug. The law’s accountability provisions have strengthened the manner in which our nation’s five million English language learners gain access to rigorous coursework, effective teachers, and accurate performance measurements. Still, NCLB is not perfect. By reauthorizing the law however, and focusing squarely on high school equity, we can fulfill the promises of Mendez and Brown.

The Campaign for High School Equity is a diverse coalition of national civil rights organizations representing communities of color that believe high schools should have the capacity and motivation to prepare every student for graduation, college, work, and life. Members of the Campaign include the National Urban League, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, , the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, the National Council of La Raza, the National Indian Education Association, and the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center. The Alliance for Excellent Education serves as the Campaign’s convener and coordinator.

news ▪ Fall 2008

Policy Workshops Empower the Latino Community at the LULAC National Convention By: Elizabeth Garcia, Marisol Pineda and Hugo Cabrera Twenty-five key workshops highlighted the various policy priorities for the LULAC membership during our 79th Annual LULAC National Convention. Workshops ranged from key topics as the economy, environment, civil rights, financial literacy, education, immigration and the 2008 Presidential Election. The LULAC policy workshops garnered support from its members, the DC Community and our sponsors to equip the Latino community to lead and take action in setting policy.

One of the most popular workshops was “Preserving Your Home: Strategies to Avoid Foreclosure” which provided educational tools for Latinos to prevent foreclosure. Additionally, in its efforts to help guide the Latino community to lead in the efforts to save our earth, LULAC is going green. We begin by educating our community with environmental workshops such as “Global Warming and its Consequences for Latinos” a workshop presented by top panelist and community activists. As these figures convened to address environmental alternatives they also promoted preventive resources for Latinos to reduce the risks of environmental pollution. LULAC also hosted policy workshops to ensure the Latino community goes to the polls as educated voters in November. The 2008 Presidential Election was one of the major concerns for many of our members; Senator Barack Obama and John McCain, and their policy agendas’ were major components of the

policy discussions through two very important workshops: “Senator McCain - Strategies for Latino Outreach” and “Obama for America Strategies for Latino Outreach”. As always LULAC served decisive in redefining the electoral debates gearing it towards important Latino issues including our present economic condition, education, health, housing and other civil rights.

These workshops created remarkable dialogue amongst panelist and participants; furthermore workshops led to innovative policy resolutions for the advancement of Latino issues. We were proud to have expert panelist such as: Steven Murdock, Director, U.S. Census Bureau; Congressman Mike Honda, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee; Ray Suarez, Correspondent, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer; The Honorable John Conyers Jr, U.S. House of Representatives; John Trasvina President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal and Educational Fund (MALDEF); Wade Henderson, President and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR); Christopher Bates, Director, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and many more.

For more highlights, pictures, and videos on our 79th Annual LULAC convention and policy workshops visit www.LULAC.org.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A VOTER Voter Registration: * Voters whose names have changed (e.g., marriage) or have recently moved cannot assume that voting records accurately reflect their information. * To make sure, contact -866-OUR-VOTE (English)/ 1-888-VE-YVOTA (Spanish) (well in advance of the election) to verify your voter registration. If you haven’t voted since 2004, make sure you contact re-verify your registration. * November 2008 elections will be first time that all the states will use statewide voter registration lists. Unfortunately, these lists are not always 100% accurate. * Don’t wait until October to register to vote. Register now because more than half the states cut off voter registration three weeks or more before the election.

Voting at the Polls: * Voters should always stay at their polling place until all issues regarding their registration have been resolved. Do not leave the polling place without voting, ever. * Know what voter ID, if any, is required when you go to the polls.

And make sure you take it to the polls with you when you go to vote. * The scope of voting machine breakdowns and other voting machine errors in recent years has been widespread. * If you have a problem voting on a machine at the polls, stop and ask poll officials to help you or ask to use a different machine. It is better to get help and vote correctly than to vote without assistance and find out your ballot was not marked correctly or completely. * If your right to vote is challenged by someone when you go the polls, keep your cool and encourage the polls officials to remedy the problem promptly. If you have registered properly and are at the correct polling location, you have nothing to worry about. * If your city or county uses voting machines that produce a paper trail or receipt, you can check to make sure your vote was properly recorded. * If you have a problem voting on Election Day, call 1-866-OURVOTE (English)/ 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish) to get help. www.LULAC.org

Student Voting: * Students are entitled to register in the county where they attend college. * Parents do not lose the right to declare the student as a dependent on their income taxes if the student registers to vote at college. * The large anticipated voter turnout of students in November may result in the polls having insufficient ballots or long lines. Be prepared to wait so your vote is counted. * Once you’ve register to vote, keep all your paperwork and bring it with you to the polls, just in case there is a problem.

Absentee Voting or Voting by Mail: * All states allow some voters to vote by mail, but there is wide variation among them in who is allowed vote by mail. * There are 3 steps to voting by mail: registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot, and sending the absentee ballot into the elections office. * It is often better to vote during an early voting period or by mail because if there is a problem with your voter registration status or in casting a ballot, it can be fixed before Election Day. You Can Make A Difference: * Voters can control the following: registering properly, verifying voter registration status with local officials, and finding out in advance where your polling place is located. * Voters cannot control the following: how well election officials do their job, how well the voting machines work, and whether there will be a problem with the vote count. * Serving as a poll worker is one of the best ways to safeguard elections. With the increased voter turnout this fall, more poll officials will be needed and states are finding that they still need more people to serve as poll officials. Volunteer if you can. * Political parties, campaigns, and candidates need volunteers to be at the polls on Election Day to watch the polls, or to help give rides to the elderly. Even if you can only help for part of the day, volunteer.

(Guide adapted from 2008 publication by The Campaign Legal Center) 23

Record Latino Voter Turnout Helps Elect Barack Obama

By Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director of LULAC and Lizette Jenness Olmos, LULAC Communications Director

Ben R. Lujan Wins 3rd Congressional District of New Mexico

retirement security and foreclosure prevention.”

Latino voters provided the margin of Luis G. Fortuño is elected Governor of victory for Obama in key battleground Puerto Rico states. In Florida where Obama won by just 198,303, Latinos cast 14% of the Pedro R. Pierluisi Becomes Puerto Rico’s ballots and supported Obama (57%) over Next Delegate to Congress McCain (42%). In Colorado where Obama won by 138,521 votes, Latinos cast 17% Latino voters of the ballots and turned out in supported Obama record numbers (73%) over McCain this election (27%). In Virginia and voted where Obama won decisively for by 155,862 votes, Barack Obama, Latinos cast 5% of the helping him win ballots and supported in a landslide Obama (65%) over election in McCain (34%). which the Latino minority vote Congressional provided the candidates ran decisive margin the tables with the of victory. entire Hispanic According to exit Congressional poll projections, delegation winning more than 12 re-election. New million Latinos Mexico Public voted with Regulation 67% voting for Commissioner Ben Senator Obama.

R. Lujan won the If these numbers 3rd Congressional hold, it would be District in New an astounding Mexico and his 62% increase victory increased the President-elect Barack Obama with LULAC National President Rosa Rosales and Los Angeles in Latino number of Hispanics Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. voter turnout serving in Congress since the 2004 to 27. Representative Barack Obama’s historic election as the elections. Senator Obama received a higher Luis G. Fortuño won election as the first African American President breaks percentage of the Latino vote than did John Governor of Puerto Rico while Pedro R. the color barrier for the nation’s highest Kerry (59%) and Al Gore (62%) putting Pierluisi won the race to take Fortuño’s elected office and gives them hope that the to rest for good the suggestion by some place as Puerto Rico ’s Delegate to the US doors are open for other people of color to that Latinos would not vote for an African House of Representatives. get elected to the Presidency,” said LULAC American candidate.

The League of the United Latin American National President Rosa Rosales. “Forty“The record Latino voter turnout for the Citizens advances the economic condition, five years ago, Martin Luther King gave 2008 elections has reshaped the political educational attainment, political influence, his ‘I have a Dream’ speech and, yesterday, landscape in America ,” stated LULAC health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic America took a huge step forward in National President Rosa Rosales. “The Americans through community-based making that dream a reality. LULAC is Latino vote proved decisive in the key programs operating at more than 700 looking forward to working with the new battleground states of Virginia , New LULAC councils nationwide. administration in addressing critical issues Mexico , Colorado , Nevada , Ohio , India important to Latinos including access to na and Florida .” affordable health care, immigration reform, Latino men and Latino women voted education, worker’s rights, the economy, Photo by Luis Nuño Briones

convincingly for Obama by margins of 64% and 67%, respectively.

Non-Latino white voters supported McCain (55%) over Obama (43%) but not by a wide enough margin to compensate for the lopsided support that Obama drew from other voters who now make up a quarter of the U.S. electorate.

“Latino voters clearly believed that

24

news ▪ Fall 2008

Latino Vote 2008 Latino Vote 2008 % of Total Vote

Obama McCain

Total Vote

Latino Votes

ObamaT

McCainT

Margin

LVObama

64,058,618 852,809 6,219,123 1,109,371 4,103,638 1,367,264 818,240 1,409,150 1,436,745 229,725 531,884 2,073,934 454,291 4,357,360 2,123,334 141,113 2,673,958 3,184,807 3,521,164 1,792,502

56,499,923 7,558,695 7,269,680 1,013,979 Ͳ161,170 167,264 3,777,314 2,441,809 1,331,525 966,992 142,379 236,705 3,908,736 194,902 639,387 1,341,101 26,163 83,418 664,508 153,732 NA 873,320 535,830 NA 1,442,613 Ͳ5,868 NA 241,816 Ͳ12,091 NA 411,988 119,896 107,601 1,540,907 533,027 253,762 334,298 119,993 223,092 2,573,368 1,783,992 NA 2,109,281 14,053 NA 168,523 Ͳ27,410 NA 2,469,544 204,414 NA 2,584,119 600,688 166,145 4,467,748 Ͳ946,584 1,006,603 1,637,338 155,164 111,470

(Obama & McCain Only)

National Arizona California Colorado Florida Indiana Iowa Maryland Missouri Montana Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Virgina

9% 16% 18% 19% 14% 4% 3% 7% 2% 4% 15% 9% 41% 6% 3% 2% 4% 4% 20% 5%

67% 56% 74% 60% 57% 77% NA% NA% NA% NA% 76% 78% 69% NA% NA% NA% NA% 72% 63% 65%

31% 41% 23% 38% 42% 23% NA% NA% NA% NA% 22% 21% 30% NA% NA% NA% NA% 28% 35% 34%

120,558,541

1,866,788 9,996,437 2,076,363 8,012,374 2,708,365

1,482,748 2,282,470

2,879,358

471,541 943,872 3,614,841

788,589 6,930,728

4,232,615

309,636 5,143,502

5,768,926

7,988,912

3,429,840

10,850,269 298,686

1,799,359

394,509

1,121,732

108,335

44,482 159,773

57,587 18,862 141,581

325,336

323,321

415,844

126,978

6,193

205,740

230,757

1,597,782

171,492

LULAC National Legislative Conference and Gala

80 70 60

Washington, DC February 10-11, 2009

20 10

2% Other

30

31% Latinos for McCain

40

67% Latinos for Obama

50

0

More information at www.lulac.org 202-833-6130 www.LULAC.org

25

President-Elect Barack Obama

Grant Park, Chicago November 4th, 2008

I

f there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware , the Vice President-elect of the United States , Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock

26

of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston .

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by

news ▪ Fall 2008

Election Night Speech brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you.

To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change.

Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta . She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except www.LULAC.org

for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham , a bridge in Selma , and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin , a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America , through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America , we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

27

Visión, Determinación, Innovación, Heroísmo.

MillerCoors continúa apoyando a los líderes hispanos para contribuir al desarrollo de nuestra comunidad.

Roberto & Betty Cordova

League of United Latin American Citizens Greeley, Colorado

Guarione Diaz Juana Bordas Antonio Flores

Esther Aguilera

Washington, DC

Miami, FL

Octavio Hinojosa

Washington, DC

Melissa Quesada & Madelyn Lugo

Lupe Barrera

Victor Capellan

Los Angeles, CA

Providence, RI

Jessika Aerni

Denver, CO

Dino Barajas

Los Angeles, CA

New York, NY

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Denver, CO

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